Nearby Theaters

The Capitol Theater was opened in September 22, 1927 with Douglas MacLean in Soft Cushions" and 5 Keith-Albee vaudeville acts. It was equipped with a Link pipe organ, which was opened by organist Herbert Voges of Cleveland, OH. The Capitol Theater was closed by Comerford Theaters in 1963. It was reopened by an independent operator and finally closed in 1966. It was demolished in October 1966.

The Capitol was located where the parking lot of Partners Trust Bank is now. It was the biggest and most opulent of all the theaters in the Triple Cities. Sadly, like many of the old-time movie palaces, it was torn down in the 1960’s.

I am happy to say that at least the Link organ still survives. It had been removed prior to the Capitol’s demolition and was installed in the Roberson Museum on Front St. by Ed Link, Jr. himself.He expanded the organ to 18 ranks.

Recently, the Binghamton Chapter of the American Theater Organ society was formed. We are dedicated to the Link organ as well as the Morton organ in the Forum Theater (which originally came out of the America Theater in Denver.) As membership chairman of this group, I am pleased to report that we have currently 80+ members.

The May 22, 1966 issue of the Press announces the sale of the theater, which is still open at that time. It was reopened by a former employer of the Comerford Chain, F. Fred DeRado, after the chain closed the theater in 1963. There is a good photo of the theater. Sale price was $200,000.

The August 24, 1966 issue of the Press carries an article about the end of the theater, with a couple of pictures of the interior being dismantled.

Finally demolished October, 1966. The October 13 issue has a picture of the demolition, but it shows only rubble.